DASMARIÑAS CITY, CAVITE (PIA) – The Department of Health kicked off the National Lung Month observance on Saturday, August 12 with a fun run that gathered at least 500 participants from the Calabarzon region.

Dubbed run for healthy lungs, the event held at the De La Salle University- Dasmariñas included 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer races to encourage physical activity. Other activities such as zumba, fun games, 100-meter and 200-meter dash, and booths for lung health literacy and mobile x-ray were also made available as part of the celebration.

DOH Assistant Secretary Dr. Beverly Lorraine C. Ho said the DOH continues to promote the health and wellness of Filipinos by giving them information and knowledge on health-related issues to achieve a "Maligayang Body for every Filipino."

"We continue to pursue the goal of ensuring that all Filipinos have access to timely and relevant health services and health information. With KonsulTayo, we enjoin Filipino families to consult their primary care providers by providing information on risk factors, symptoms, and access points that would make it easier to navigate the healthcare system," Ho said in a statement.

"This also interfaces with our campaign for the Seven Healthy Habits, and in making the healthy choice the easier choice for everyone, every time and everywhere," she added.

Meanwhile, DOH Calabarzon encouraged smokers to quit smoking and vaping as these remain risk factors for lung diseases.

The regional health department also stressed the importance of annual physical and chest X-ray examinations.

“We have to stay away from smoking and vaping. And don’t forget to have your annual physical examination especially your chest x-ray. At kung meron na po tayong ubo ng dalawang linggo magpacheck up na po tayo sa pinakamalapit na hospital,” Dr. Evamarie Torio, DOH Calabarzon's Infectious Disease Cluster Head, said.

Proclamation No. 1761, s. 1978 declared August as National Lung Month to increase public awareness among Filipinos about common pulmonary conditions and the importance of maintaining healthy lungs for a better lifestyle. (AM, PIA-4A/ with reports from PIA Cavite)